Out of the 66 fire departments from across the Upper Peninsula and Florence, Wis. that are in the firefighters’ association, Iverson expects 53 to attend this year’s tournament. Counting firefighters, their families, and spectators, he estimates that there will be thousands in attendance.

The weather looks to cooperate, with the National Weather Service predicting partly to mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70s through Saturday.

Events get started this evening with the dress parade on Lincoln Avenue at 7 p.m.

A street dance under the main tent on Menominee Street will follow from 8 p.m. to midnight. There will be a $2 cover charge, and live music provided by Glass Joe.

The shirt tail parade will step off on Lincoln Avenue at 10 p.m.

On Friday, the firefighter races will take place on Menominee Street from 9 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. Races include the ladder race, the hose relay, the coupling race, the interchange race, and the mystery race, which will be revealed to competitors by the host department just prior to its start.

From 7 p.m. to midnight, the Firefighters’ Ball will be held under the main tent on Menominee Street. There will be a $2 cover charge, and live music provided by Next Myle.

The races award ceremony, a prize drawing, and the silent auction are scheduled for 10 p.m.

On Saturday, the commercial parade will step off at 10 a.m. from the corner of Menominee Street and Second Street, then continue onto Lincoln Avenue.

The overall awards ceremony at the Quinnesec fire hall at noon will close out the tournament.

Food and beverages from various vendors will be available throughout the tournament near the main tent.

Parking is available north of Menominee Street, just west of the main tent. Due to road closures for the activities, attendees are encouraged to enter Quinnesec from the west end instead of at the traffic light.